General Information
Great Britain was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in the advancement of literature and science. At its peak, the British Empire stretched over 25% of the earth's surface.

The United Kingdom is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO and a member of the EU. However, Great Britain remains outside the Economic and Monetary Union.

UK Flag Description:Blue field with red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England), edged in white overlaid on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); correctly known as the Union Flag, but generally called the Union Jack